Washer cap and rotating stool

ABSTRACT

A stool includes a collapsible frame, a triangular seat and a back. The frame includes a bottom hub with three telescopingly adjustable legs and enlarged feet. A top hub is rotatably coupled to the bottom hub for 360 degree rotation, and includes three seat-supporting arms that extend from the top hub, and a pair of uprights that extend from two of the arms. The seat hook-attaches to loops on ends of the arms, and the back extends between the uprights. The legs and arms are pivoted to their respective hubs, but the pivots are slightly frictional so that the arms and legs remain in adjusted positions, with stops on the hubs stopping the legs and arms in their upwardly-pivoted use positions. The frictional pivots include lubricious plastic that facilitates quiet unfolding of the stool, which is important when hunting.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.12/196,402, filed Aug. 22, 2008, entitled COLLAPSIBLE STOOL FOR HUNTINGAND OUTDOOR USE, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofprovisional application 61/019,950, filed Jan. 9, 2008, entitledCOLLAPSIBLE HUNTING STOOL.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a folding stool, such as may be usedfor hunting, photography, and other outdoor applications.

Hunting stools must be durable and long-lasting, yet light weight,portable, easy to set up, and comfortable for seated individuals. Theypreferably should be adjustable to fit different body sizes andpreferences, with any adjustment being quiet, intuitive, and easilydone. Also, the equipment should be adapted for use in a variety ofdifferent situations encountered in the wild. Still further, it isdesirable that the equipment have relatively few components to minimizelabor, cost and assembly. I do not know of any existing stools thatsatisfactorily meet these requirements and functional demands, in myopinion.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present inventive stool includes several innovative features. Thehubs for supporting the legs and seat are cast metal, such that they aremore durable and less noisy than existing known designs. They arepivotally interconnected for 360 degree rotation of the seat, such thatthe hunter does not have to change his/her position in the seat . . .but instead can simply rotate the seat. The legs are connected to rotatedownward into a folded dense storage position, and the seat-supportingarms also rotate downward into their storage position parallel the legs.The legs are infinitely telescopingly adjustable, and are quietlyadjustable. They include enlarged feet that do not sink into mud andsoft soil. The seat clips into U shackles (loops) on the upper arms,such that they are durable and easy to erect. This creates a comfortablehammock-like seat arrangement. This also leaves the ends of the armsfree for mounting back rest hinges, gun mounts, camera mounts, and otheraccessories to the stool. The back is optional, and includes foldinguprights that co-exist with the folding seat-supporting arms and legs.The seat is padded, quilted for aesthetics, insulated for comfort, andboth functional and visually pleasing.

In one aspect of the present invention, a stool includes a frame and aseat supported on the frame. The frame includes a top hub andseat-supporting arms extending from the top hub, and further includes abottom hub and legs extending from the bottom hub. The top and bottomhubs are rotationally connected so that the seat and seat-supportingarms can be rotated without changing a position of the legs.

In another aspect of the present invention, a stool includes a frame anda seat supported on the frame. The frame includes at least one hub.Seat-supporting arms extend from the at least one hub and also legsextend from the at least one hub. The seat-supporting arms and the legseach are movable between a raised position for use and a loweredposition where the arms and legs extend parallel each other in acollapsed storage position.

In another aspect of the present invention, a stool includes a frameincluding seat-supporting arms extending from a hub and a pair ofuprights extending from ends of two of the seat-supporting arms. Thearms and uprights are movable between a raised position for use and alowered position where the arms and legs extend parallel each other in acollapsed storage position. A seat is attached to the seat-supportingarms. A back is attached between the uprights.

In another aspect of the present invention, a stool includes a frame anda seat supported on the frame, the frame including at least one hub,seat-supporting arms extending from the at least one hub. The arms andseat include a hook attachment system that supports the seat in ahammock-simulating manner, the hook attachment system including severalhooks shaped to releasably engage several mating shackles.

In another aspect of the present invention, a stool includes a frame anda seat supported on the frame. The seat is a flexible insulated paddedconstruction with at least three hooks for engaging mating loops on theframe for supporting the seat in a hammock-simulating arrangement.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a stool includes aframe including seat-supporting arms and uprights. A seat is supportedon the arms and a back is supported on the uprights. The back includes athoracic-supporting section extending between the uprights and alumbar-supporting section extending between the uprights, and furtherincluding a strap that connects the thoracic-supporting section to atleast one of the lumbar-supporting section and the seat, the strap beingadjustable and/or rotatable to change an amount of support received fromthe one section.

In another aspect of the present invention a collapsible article forhunting and outdoor use comprises a frame including a tubular framemember and a second frame member shaped to receive an end of the tubularframe member. A washer cap is attached to the end of the tubular member;the washer cap including a sleeve portion for closely engaging an end ofthe tubular frame member and including opposing standoffs on the sleeveportion having a flat outer surface and aligned holes. A pivot pinextends through transverse holes in the tubular frame member and throughthe aligned holes in the standoffs and through mating holes in thesecond frame member to thus pivotally interconnect the tubular framemember to the second frame member.

In another aspect of the present invention, a collapsible article forhunting and outdoor use comprises a frame including first and secondtubular frame members. First and second connector plugs each include aplug portion closely engaging an end of the respective first and secondtubular frame members and each further include an extension extendingfrom the plug portion. The extensions each include alongitudinally-extending stem and a pivot-forming portion with atransverse hole and a flat surface perpendicular to the transverse hole;the pivot-forming portions of the first and second connector plugs beingshaped to mate with the flat surfaces abutting and the transverse holesaligned and the plug portions extending in different directions. A pivotpin extends through the transverse holes to pivotally interconnect firstand second connector plugs and hence pivotally interconnect the firstand second tubular frame members. In a narrower aspect, a U-shapedshackle is also attached to the pivot pin.

In another aspect of the present invention, a collapsible article thatcan be collapsed very quietly comprises a frame including multiple metalframe members joined together at joints by plastic connectors, themultiple frame members and joints including a first joint formed by afirst connector engaging a first tubular frame member and joined by thefirst connector to a second frame member. The article further includes asecond joint formed by a second connector engaging a third tubular framemember and joined by the second connector to a fourth frame member, thefirst and second connectors including plastic material. The firstconnector engages an end of the first tubular frame member and includesopposing standoffs forming flat surfaces with aligned holes on oppositesides of the end. A first pivot pin extends through the aligned holesand through mating holes in opposing flanges in the second frame memberfor pivotal connection thereto. The second connector engages an end ofthe third tubular frame member and includes an extension with a firsttransverse hole and having a flat surface. The fourth frame member hasan end configured to matingly engage the flat surface and having asecond transverse hole that aligns with the first transverse hole. Asecond pivot pin extends through the first and second transverse holesto pivotally connect the third tubular frame member to the fourth framemember.

In another aspect of the present invention, a collapsible stool isprovided that can be collapsed very quietly. The stool includes a framehaving multiple metal frame members forming a collapsible framework fora seat and a back. The metal frame members are joined together at jointsby pivot-forming connectors made of lubricious plastic material. Each ofthe pivot-forming connectors include holes defining pivots but includeflat surfaces forming lubricious bearing surfaces to support quiterotation and also include plastic material spacing the metal framemembers of each joint from each other.

In another aspect of the present invention, a collapsible stoolcomprises a collapsible leg framework including a lower hub, and acollapsible seat-supporting framework including an upper hub pivotallyconnected to the lower hub for 360 degrees of rotation. A collapsibleback-supporting framework is to the seat-supporting framework formovement between a collapsed position and an upright use position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully-assembled stool embodying thepresent invention in a use position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stool in a collapsed position (minusthe removable seat and back upholstered components).

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of thepivotally-connected hubs of the stool.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the seat of the stool clip-attached tothe seat-supporting arms.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of one of the hook and U-shackle (loop)connections for holding the seat.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the telescoping legsincluding its clamp.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the foot of the leg.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the back and torso-support components.

FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of the frame, FIG. 9 showing the framein a use position, FIG. 10 showing the frame partially collapsed, andFIG. 11 showing the frame fully collapsed.

FIGS. 12-14 are orthogonal views of FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 15-17 are orthogonal views of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 18-19 are top and side views of one of the arms (29) that bothsupports a rear of the seat and that connects to an upright (30) asshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the arm (29) in FIG. 19 including the clasp 32and supporting the upright (30).

FIG. 21 is a top view of the forwardmost seat-supporting arm (29) butwhich does not connect to an upright.

FIGS. 22-26 includes perspective, three orthogonal, and a cross sectionof the washer cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A hunting stool 20 (FIGS. 1-3) includes a collapsible frame 21 made oflightweight tubular (metal) components, triangular seat 22, and back 23with lumbar support 24. The frame 21 includes a bottom hub 25 with threetelescopingly adjustable legs 26 and enlarged feet 27. In particular, itis contemplated that the tubes can be made of a suitable materialincluding, but not limited to, polymer, carbon/glass fiber, reinforcedcomposite, titanium, magnesium, boron, steel and aluminum materials. Atop hub 28 is rotatably coupled to the bottom hub 25 for rotation abouta vertical axis, and includes three seat-supporting arms 29 that extendfrom the top hub 28. A pair of uprights 30 extend from an outer end oftwo of the arms 29. The seat 22 includes hooks 31 that attach to loops32 (also called “shackles”) on ends of the arms 29 (see FIG. 5), and theback 23 (and lumbar support 24) (see FIG. 8) extend between the uprights30. The top hub 28 is connected to the bottom hub 25 by a vertical bolt33 (FIG. 3), and rotates 360 degrees on plastic washers 34A locatedbetween the bottom hub 25 and the top hub 28. The legs 26 and arms 27are all pivoted to their respective hubs (25 and 28), but the pivots arepreferably slightly frictional so that the legs 26 and arms 29 remain inadjusted positions. The hubs 25 and 28 include flanges forming stops onthe hubs to limit outward movement of the legs 26 and arms 29 in theirupwardly/outwardly-pivoted positions. The illustrated frictional pivotspreferably include washer caps 40 (or equivalent) that facilitate aslightly frictional, smooth and noise-free unfolding (or folding) of thestool 20, which allows the process of setting up and collapsing thestool to be very quiet. This can be particularly important when huntingor photographing in the wild.

The triangular seat 22 (FIG. 4) includes a thermoformed fabric-coveredor upholstered cushion, and includes straps sewn to its bottom with thehooks 31 on each end (i.e., at each corner). The seat 22 is supported ateach corner by hooking the hooks 31 to the loops (shackles) 32 on theseat-supporting arms 29.

The back 23 (FIG. 8) includes a thoracic-supporting upper section 34formed by a thermoformed fabric covered cushion, with a pocket 34′ sewninto each end for engaging a top of the uprights 30. The illustratedmid-level lumbar support 24 is similar in shape and size to thethoracic-supporting section, and also includes a loop at each end forengaging the uprights 30. A looped strap 35 extends between the section34, support 24 and a rear of the seat 22. The looped strap 35 includes alower buckle adjustment 35A that can be shortened/adjusted to increaselumbar support provided by the support 24. It is contemplated that theupper looped strap can be made adjustable to raise a rear/middle of theseat 22 if desired.

The bottom hub 25 (FIG. 3) is generally triangular in shape (orY-shaped), and is cast of a rigid metal for strength and light weight.The hub 25 includes three outwardly-facing U-shaped throats, each throatincluding a top flange 38 and side flanges 39 receiving a top end of oneof the legs 26. A washer cap 40 (such as nylon or other lubriciousmaterial) is positioned inside of each side flange 39, and a pivot pin41 extends through the side flanges 39, caps 40 and legs 26 to form alightly frictional pivot. It is the top flange 38 that forms a stop forlimiting upward/outward movement of the legs 26. The legs 26 can bepivoted inwardly/downwardly to a collapsed folded position (FIGS. 2, 11,15-17) for compact storage and transport. Notably, the space within eachthroat forms a recess for matably receiving a top of the arms 29 foroptimal strength and stability.

The three telescopingly adjustable legs 26 (FIG. 6) each includetelescoping tubes (such as two or three, depending on a length ofextension desired) and tube clamps 43 with threaded locking member 43A(or the like) for securing the tubes in an extended or collapsedposition. Notably, the legs 26 are infinitely telescopingly adjustable.This allows a hunter to position his/her seat at an optimal height, suchas for viewing or aiming out a window/slit of a stand. It further allowsthe stool to be positioned level, even when on uneven ground. Further,its adjustment is extremely quiet, since it does not include any itemsthat snap or click into position. Enlarged feet 27 (FIG. 7) are attachedto the end of each leg 26. The feet 27 include an enlarged footprint(e.g., 4.5″×4″ or about 18 sq. inches) so that they do not tend to sinkinto soft soil. The illustrated feet 27 have a rough-surfaced bottom . .. for non-slip engagement with the ground.

The top hub 28 (FIG. 3) is rotatably coupled to the bottom hub 25 by thebolt 33 and nut (not specifically shown), and is supported by thelubricious plastic washer 34A on the bottom hub 25 for 360 degrees ofrotation. The rotation is totally quiet, such that a hunter can rotatewithout creating noise that would scare away prey. The top hub 28 issimilar to the bottom hub 25 in its triangular (or Y) shape andthree-throat design. Specifically, the top hub 28 is triangular (or Y)in shape, and is preferably cast of a rigid metal for strength and lightweight. The hub 28 includes three outwardly-facing U-shaped throats,each throat including a top flange 48 and side flanges 49 receiving abottom end of one of the arms 29. A cap 40 (such as nylon or otherlubricious material) is positioned inside of each side flange 49, and apivot pin 51 extends through the side flanges 49, caps 50 and arms 29 toform a lightly frictional pivot. The top flange 48 forms a stop forlimiting upward movement of the arms 29. The arms 29 can be pivotedinwardly/downwardly to a collapsed folded position, with the arms 29fitting into the depression between the throats on the bottom hub 25.

The pair of uprights 30 (FIGS. 1 and 13) extend from two of the arms 29,and are pivoted to the arms 29 by a pivot pin 61 for movement between anextended position (FIG. 13) and a collapsed folded position (FIGS. 2 and16). In the extended position (FIG. 1), the back 23 is held so that itpositions the back 23 at a desired angle for comfortable use (such asslightly rearward from vertical . . . such as about a 120-140 degreeangle from the arms 29 depending on the designer's or user's preference,the preferred angle of the seat-supporting arms 29, and designcriteria). In the collapsed folded position, the uprights 30 fold to atight storage position parallel the legs 26 and seat-supporting arms 29.Also, the seat 22 and back 23 are made to be removed from the frame 21.

The seat 22 (FIGS. 1 and 5) includes hooks 31 (made of metal or plastic)that snap-attach to loops 32 (also called “U-shaped shackles”) on endsof the arms 29. As illustrated, a molded connector plug 55 (or 55A or55B) engages an end of the seat-supporting arms 29, and the loops 32 areattached to a protruding end of the plug 55. Even though the hooks 31(FIG. 5) include a safety-locking finger 31A that flexes to allow a“snap-attach,” they are durable plastic (or metal) and easily hookedinto position, such that their engagement does not create noise.Further, the safety fingers 31A prevent accidental disengagement. Theillustrated seat 22 is thermoformed. The value of the thermoformed seatis the following. Normally a hunter has to bring a separate insulatedseat pad to place on top of the foldable camp stool. The pad increaseswarmth and comfort so that a hunter can sit still longer. By integratingthe stiff yet flexible thermoformed seat pad into the design, we fix atleast two problems associated with a basic camp stool. We increasecomfort and warmth. Also, the thermoformed seat pad will flex and bendto match the shape of the user. Using just a webbing or nylon fabricseat would fail this product in the marketplace.

FIGS. 22-26 show details of the washer caps 50 (which are identical towasher caps 40). Each washer cap 50 includes a tubular sleeve portion 63shaped to closely receive and engage an end of the tubular members 26,29, and 30. An end wall 64 sets a position of the cap 50 on an end ofthe respective tubular members. The washer caps 50 (and 40) can be heldin place by various means, such as by the pivot pin 61 (FIGS. 1 and 9)(which extends through opposing sides of the cap 50 as well as throughholes in the associated tubular member), or by other means such as byfriction fit, a set screw, or adhesive, or integral protrusionfrictionally engaging a side hole in the tubular members. Opposingstandoffs 65 are formed on the tubular sleeve portion 63. The standoffs65 have a flat outer surface 66 and include aligned holes 67, such thatthey form integral washers on opposing sides of the sleeve portion 63.Further, the cap 50 is molded of a lubricious and strong plasticmaterial, such as nylon. The integral washer/standoffs 65 greatlyfacilitate assembly since they reduce the number of parts required forassembly, and further they reduce assembly time since less parts have tobe held in position during installation of various pivot pins/bolts suchas pivot pins 61. Also, the caps 50 (and 40) greatly reduce any risk ofnoise, by physically preventing contact between adjacent tubularmembers, and by preventing rubbing of the pivot pins on tubular members.

The illustrated washer caps 40 and 50 are identical in shape. However,it is contemplated that they can be different shapes and still performtheir intended function, and/or that they can be integrally formed onends of the legs or arms.

Connector plug 55 (FIG. 21) is the plug used at a front of the stool 20for holding the seat 22. Notably, plug 55 does not support an upright30. The plug 55 includes a plug portion 70 shaped to fit snugly into theend of a tubular member such as arm 29, and further includes atube-abutting end wall 71. An extension 72 has a stem 72A that extendsfrom the wall 71, and includes a pivot-forming cylindrical portion 73that forms a transverse barrel-like shape with opposing flat ends on theend of the extension 72. A hole extends transversely through thecylindrical portion 73. The U-shaped shackle 32 includes opposing freeends adapted to engage the portion 73, and the pivot pin 61 extendsthrough the hole in the portion 73 to pivotally connect the shackle 32to the plug 55 and in turn to the arm 29. A set screw 74 extends throughthe arm 29 and into the plug portion 70 to secure the plug 55 to the arm29.

Connector plugs 55A and 55B (FIGS. 18-20) are similar to plug 55.However, they are also adapted to support an upright 30. Plug 55A and55B are mirror images of each other, such that a detailed description ofplug 55A is sufficient for an understanding of the present invention.Specifically, plug 55A includes a plug portion 70, end wall 71,extension 72 and set screw 74. However, it includes only a halfcylindrical portion 73A with a flat surface 75 along a longitudinalplane transverse to the hole. The stem 72 includes an end surface 75/77shaped to receive an end of the mating plug 55B. The plug 55A isattached to one of the arms 29, and the second plug 55B is attached toone of the uprights 30. When assembled, the arm 29 and upright 30 can bepositioned with the flat surfaces 75 of the two plugs 55A, 55B abutting.The shackle 32 can then be attached using the pivot pint 61, whichpivotally attaches the shackle 32 to the joint and further pivotallyattaches the upright 30 to the arm 29. Abutting stop surfaces 77 areformed in and extend radially from the hole for pivot pin 61 on each ofthe plugs 55A and 55B. The stop surfaces 77 are positioned to abut tolimit outward rotation of the upright 30 about the pivot pin 61 as theupright 30 is moved from a collapsed storage position adjacent the arm29 toward the use position. Thus, the upright 30 is limited to aparticular maximum outward angular rotation on the arm 29. This angledepends on a desired angle of the upright 30 relative to the arm 29,which in turn depends on a desired angle of the arm 29 when in the useposition.

Preferably, the hubs are metal (such as aluminum or other strong metal)and cast metal, such that they are more durable and less noisy thanexisting known designs. They are pivotally interconnected for 360 degreerotation, such that the hunter does not have to change his/her positionin the seat . . . but instead can simply rotate the seat. The legs areconnected to rotate downward into a storage position, and the arms alsorotate downward into their storage position parallel the legs, which isa novel approach not found in known folding stools. This foldingarrangement permits a more dense and shorter storage arrangement.Further, even though the arms fold up for use, they are securely held intheir upright use position by the hooks on the seat . . . in ahammock-simulating manner that is very secure and comfortable to aseated user.

The legs are infinitely telescopingly adjustable, and are quietlyadjustable, which is contrary to previous legs which includespring-biased detents that noisily snappingly-engage into selected holeswhen adjusted. The enlarged feet (which have about 18 square inches ofsurface area) do not sink into mud and soft soil. The seat clips into Ushackles (loops) on the upper arms, instead of using a fabric pocket,such that they are more durable and easier to erect. This also createsthe comfortable hammock-like seat arrangement noted above. This alsoleaves the ends of the arms free for mounting back rest hinges, gunmounts, camera mounts, and other accessories to the stool. The back isoptional, and includes folding uprights that co-exist with the foldingseat-supporting arms and legs. The padded seat is quilted foraesthetics, insulated for comfort, and both functional and visuallypleasing.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

1. A collapsible article for hunting and outdoor use, comprising: aframe including a tubular frame member and a second frame member shapedto receive an end of the tubular frame member; a washer cap attached tothe end of the tubular member; the washer cap including a sleeve portionfor closely engaging an end of the tubular frame member and opposingstandoffs on the sleeve portion having a flat outer surface and alignedholes; and a pivot pin extending through transverse holes in the tubularframe member and through the aligned holes in the standoffs and throughmating holes in the second frame member to thus pivotally interconnectthe tubular frame member to the second frame member.
 2. The articledefined in claim 1, wherein the tubular frame member has a round crosssection, and the sleeve portion includes a cylindrically shaped recessshaped to longitudinally receive the round cross section.
 3. The articledefined in claim 1, wherein the washer cap is formed from a plasticmaterial.
 4. The article defined in claim 1, wherein the second framemember comprises a hub and includes opposing flanges with the matingholes therein.
 5. The article defined in claim 4, wherein the secondframe member includes a stop flange extending between the opposingflanges that limits a rotation of the tubular frame member on the secondframe member.
 6. A collapsible article for hunting and outdoor use,comprising: a frame including a tubular frame member, a U-shapedshackle, and a second frame member with a connector for connecting tothe U-shaped shackle, the U-shaped shackle having protruding free endsdefining opposing first holes; a connector plug including a plug portionclosely engaging an end of the tubular frame member and including anextension extending from the plug portion, the extension including astem and a pivot-forming portion with a transverse hole therein; and apivot pin extending through the first holes and through the transversehole to thus pivotally interconnect the tubular frame member to theconnector of the second frame member.
 7. The collapsible article definedin claim 6, wherein the pivot-forming portion is barrel-shaped andincludes opposing flat end surfaces.
 8. The collapsible article definedin claim 7, wherein the connector includes a hook adapted to releasablyengage the shackle.
 9. A collapsible article for hunting and outdooruse, comprising: a frame including first and second tubular framemembers; first and second connector plugs each including a plug portionclosely engaging an end of the respective first and second tubular framemembers and each further including an extension extending from the plugportion, the extensions each including a longitudinally-extending stemand a pivot-forming portion with a transverse hole and a flat surfaceperpendicular to the transverse hole; the pivot-forming portions of thefirst and second connector plugs being shaped to mate with the flatsurfaces abutting and the transverse holes aligned and the plug portionsextending in different directions; and a pivot pin extending through thetransverse holes to pivotally interconnect first and second connectorplugs and hence pivotally interconnect the first and second tubularframe members.
 10. The collapsible article defined in claim 9, includinga U-shaped shackle with protruding ends engaging opposing outer surfacesof the pivot-forming portions of the first and second connector plugs,the pivot pin extending through holes in the protruding ends topivotally connect the shackle to the first and second tubular framemembers.
 11. The collapsible article defined in claim 10, wherein thepivot-forming portions are barrel-shaped.
 12. The collapsible articledefined in claim 9, including a quick-connect hook-shaped connectorreleasably engaging the shackle.
 13. The collapsible article defined inclaim 12, including another frame member attached to the shackle. 14.The collapsible article defined in claim 13, wherein the another framemember includes a seat.
 15. The collapsible article defined in claim 9,wherein the first and second connector plugs are mirror images of eachother.
 16. The collapsible article defined in claim 9, wherein at leastone of the first and second connector plugs includes a stop surface forlimiting an outward rotation of the first connector plug on the secondconnector plug, and hence for limiting a relative rotation of the firstand second tubular frame members.
 17. A collapsible stool that can becollapsed very quietly, comprising: a frame including multiple metalframe members forming a collapsible framework for a seat and a back, themetal frame members being joined together at joints by pivot-formingconnectors made of lubricious plastic material; each of thepivot-forming connectors including holes defining pivots but includingflat surfaces forming lubricious bearing surfaces to support quiterotation and also including plastic material spacing the metal framemembers of each joint from each other.
 18. A collapsible stoolcomprising: a collapsible leg framework including a lower hub; acollapsible seat-supporting framework including an upper hub pivotallyconnected to the lower hub for 360 degrees of rotation; a collapsibleback-supporting framework pivoted to the seat-supporting framework formovement between a collapsed position and an upright use position.